The online course industry is growing rapidly, and many people are looking for ways to enter the market. Two common roles in this field are producers and co-producers. But which one is the best fit for you? In this article, we’ll break down the responsibilities, skills, pros, and cons of each role to help you make an informed decision.
What is a Course Producer?
A course producer is the person who creates the educational content for an online course. This individual is typically an expert, coach, teacher, or professional in a specific field who wants to share their knowledge with an audience.
Key Responsibilities of a Producer:
- Planning and structuring the course content
- Recording video lessons, tutorials, or presentations
- Designing worksheets, quizzes, and learning materials
- Engaging with students and answering questions
- Providing expertise and credibility to the course
Who Should Be a Course Producer?
You might be a great fit for the producer role if:
✔️ You have deep knowledge in a particular subject
✔️ You enjoy teaching and creating educational content
✔️ You feel comfortable speaking on camera or recording content
✔️ You want to build a personal brand as an expert
What is a Course Co-Producer?
A course co-producer is the person who handles the business, marketing, and technical aspects of selling an online course. Instead of creating content, the co-producer focuses on sales, advertising, platform management, and scaling the course.
Key Responsibilities of a Co-Producer:
- Building and managing the course website and landing pages
- Running paid ads on Facebook, Google, and YouTube
- Creating email marketing campaigns to increase conversions
- Optimizing sales funnels and checkout processes
- Managing customer support and student engagement
- Tracking course performance and implementing growth strategies
Who Should Be a Course Co-Producer?
You might be a great fit for the co-producer role if:
✔️ You have digital marketing skills and enjoy running ads
✔️ You prefer working behind the scenes rather than being on camera
✔️ You are good at business strategy, automation, and scaling revenue
✔️ You want to partner with experts and share profits
Producer vs. Co-Producer – Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Course Producer | Course Co-Producer |
|---|---|---|
| Main Focus | Content creation and teaching | Marketing, sales, and scaling |
| Skills Needed | Expertise in a niche, teaching, communication | Digital marketing, business strategy, analytics |
| Visibility | High – builds a personal brand | Low – works behind the scenes |
| Income Potential | Can vary depending on course sales | Can earn high commissions if the course succeeds |
| Investment | Time spent creating content | Money spent on advertising |
| Risk Level | Medium – needs to attract students | High – invests in ads and marketing upfront |
| Best For | Educators, coaches, professionals | Marketers, business strategists, tech-savvy entrepreneurs |
Which Role is More Profitable?
The income potential depends on the success of the course. However, co-producers often earn significant revenue because they:
✅ Handle paid traffic and funnels – This means they can scale course sales faster.
✅ Negotiate revenue-sharing deals – Some co-producers earn 50% or more of course profits.
✅ Work with multiple producers – A co-producer can manage several courses at once, increasing earnings.
Producers, on the other hand, depend on course sales. If they don’t have marketing skills, they may struggle to generate revenue. That’s why many experts prefer to partner with a co-producer rather than market their courses alone.
Can You Be Both a Producer and a Co-Producer?
Yes! Some people choose to be both the content creator and the marketer. However, this requires:
🔥 Mastering both content creation and digital marketing
🔥 Investing time in both teaching and selling
🔥 Building an audience while also running ads and funnels
If you’re just starting, it’s usually best to focus on one role first and later expand into both areas if you want to maximize your profits.
Final Thoughts – Which Role is Right for You?
👉 If you love teaching and have deep knowledge in a niche, becoming a course producer is a great choice.
👉 If you enjoy marketing, advertising, and business strategy, becoming a co-producer can be a highly profitable career.
👉 If you’re willing to learn both skills, you can create and sell your own courses, maximizing your earnings.
Course co-production is an excellent way to enter the digital education market without needing to be an expert in a specific field. Whether you choose to be a producer or a co-producer, understanding both roles will give you a competitive advantage in the industry.